CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
5/9/2023
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: THOMAS BEKELE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT OF A WATER DISINFECTION SYSTEM AT TEMPLE
RESERVOIR
Summary:
The City Council will consider entering into a emergency sole source contract with D&H Water Systems, for an amount of $171,890, to construct a new disinfection station at Temple Reservoir.
The installation of the disinfection station is necessary to satisfy action requested by the State Water Board and to maintain drinking water standards. The work is anticipated to be completed by November 2023. Existing funds in the Water Department budget will cover the cost of this emergency work; no additional funding is necessary at this time.
Recommendation:
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with D&H Water Systems for the construction of a new disinfection station at Temple Reservoir, in a form approved by the City Attorney. The term of the agreement will terminate on November 9, 2023, with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $171,890.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost to construct the disinfection system at Temple Reservoir is $171,890. The contract will utilize existing funds in the Water Department Repair and Maintenance Services (Account No. 500-40 -5560).
Strategic Plan Objectives:
Goal No. 4: Maintain and improve the public infrastructure.
Goal No. 5: Ensure an enhanced quality of life for residents.
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Background and Analysis:
The City of Signal Hill's water treatment program regularly treats the water with chlorine via chloramination at the Gundry Reservoir. The potable water is then distributed to two other reservoirs:
Temple Reservoir and Hilltop Reservoir. The State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) recently reviewed the monthly test reports submitted by the City for calendar year 2022 and found 2 out of 28 samples collected in March and May 2022 had a low or non-detectable free chlorine residual. This caused the City to temporarily exceed the maximum Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) requirement in accordance with disinfection treatment performance standards found in Title 22 of California Code of Regulations. The reason for the low chlorine residual and high HPC is likely due to lower-thanaverage water circulation caused by low usage and minimal circulation. Testing did not indicate the presence of E. coli or any harmful bacteria. On January 28, 2023, SWRCB issued a citation noting a Disinfection Treatment Performance Standard violation for the months of March and May of 2022.
Staff have been working with AKM Engineering Inc. to develop a disinfection station plan to resolve the low-chlorine and high HPC issues.
D&H Water Systems is a local qualified contractor and supplier that was contacted and was able to provide the proper documentation and plans to install the disinfection station as soon as possible or upon completion of fabrication of the required equipment. The overall project is anticipated to be completed by November 2023. In the interim, in addition to flushing segments of pipelines, the City will manually chrominate at Temple Reservoir to ensure compliance with SWCRB requirements.
SHMC 3.20.120 (Exceptions to Procurement Methods), states as follows: In the case of an emergency which requires the immediate procurement of goods, services, or public projects in excess of $100,000 dollars, the City Council may procure these items without regard to the provisions of this chapter. The action shall only be to repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, or procure the necessary goods, services, and public projects for those purposes. In making such a contract or purchase, at least three (3) vendors should, if practicable, be solicited to submit price quotations by use of sealed bidding methods, facsimile, or email. Award shall be made to the vendor offering the lowest acceptable quotation that best meets the needs of the city. The City Council shall terminate the emergency action at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant.
In conclusion, the City of Signal Hill Water Department is committed to providing safe drinking water to its residents. The citation from SWRCB indicates that there was no presence of harmful bacteria and that this citation was not an immediate health threat. However, the City is taking steps regarding the installation of a disinfection station at Temple Reservoir. Due to time delays associated with formal bidding and the need to avoid water quality issues, staff is requesting approval of a contract with D&H Water Systems on a sole source basis.
Reviewed:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
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Approved:
_________________________
Carlo Tomaino
Attachment:
A. General Services Agreement
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